Sandbed cleaning concerns.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by MitchM

I would keep the sand as clean as you can, Doug.

And therein lies the problem with forums. 1 question, 2 answers from people with successful tanks, and 2 very different answers. Result, Doug still has no idea what to do.

Honestly, there is more than one way to skin a cat, or to sand a tank. There are successful tanks with filthy sand, clean sand and no sand. So pick what you're happy doing as a regular chore, and see how that works for you. Easy peasy!!

[MitchM]

I think we both have the same answer, basically.
How big of a sand bed, how fast detritus builds up, ect. - will eventually lead to the same answer - reduce the detritus buildup. How fast and how often is up to the operator.😊

[Aquattro]

I don't even think there is a right answer. Other than whatever works for you. I'm lazy and try to do as little as possible, so my method works for me. I see tanks with sparkling white sand and wish I wasn't so lazy. But I am

I can see no harm coming from cleaning sand, so if that's your thing, clean away. But it does sound like work lol

[Doug]

I love all the opinions. Thats what I wanted. Been around long enough to sort them out but never been a good sand guy. Thanks all.

My orange spotted sleeper was great, never releasing in the current but staying on the bed. Alas he jumped before my top. I have a yellow head/blue stripped sleeper now and he is an arse. Dumping everywhere. Have trouble keeping my chalice clean.

I started to siphon clean it just to see. The bucket of water was so gross, that I have kept it up, until now. I can reach 3/4 of my bed.

[Aquattro]

I know that water can look bad. I even bought a siphon and hose long enough to run it through my filter sock. I just haven't got there yet. Likely won't. Did I mention I'm lazy?

[MitchM]

Yeah Brad, but your methods work - water changes, MH and good water flow.
I get bored so I fiddle, always looking for something else.
Usually leads to trouble.

[Aquattro]

I have a 4yo, I don't get bored much Surprised I can get water changes in actually. Probably because she helps me!!

[MitchM]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

I have a 4yo, I don't get bored much Surprised I can get water changes in actually. Probably because she helps me!!

Lazy plus lucky.

Detritus buildup is a bad thing. I think we can probably all agree on that.

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by Doug

My orange spotted sleeper was great, never releasing in the current but staying on the bed. Alas he jumped before my top.

Yup, have lost 2 of them that way now. And I have covered tanks, but with small open holes at the back of my eurobrace (for a past closed loop system). Couldn't believe it when I found him dried up on top. Thought that was a rare chance event, and then it happened again...

Trying the tigertail as I have been told they are also great at removing algae and detritus under and around rocks that you can't otherwise get to. He has been busy these last few days, leaving his rock turds. But he has his work cut out for him, as I haven't had a goby for a few months now.